Concord's Blue Devils drum corps wins 16th world title

INDIANAPOLIS — The Concord-based Blue Devils drum and bugle corps won its 16th world title, shattering the previous high score during championships this weekend.

The 2014 Drum Corps International World Championship finals were held Friday and Saturday in Indianapolis, with the team scoring 99.650, a testament to the tireless effort put in by both members and staff, said executive director David Gibbs.

"The most important thing, is that these kids set out to perform and be the best Blue Devils they can be," said Gibbs in a news release. "They work hard all the time, everyday, all day long. They were persistent, and they never gave up."

In addition to their record-breaking high score and newly claimed world championship title, the corps earned awards in visual performance, general effect, brass and color guard. The Blue Devils have won 16 world championships since 1976, and current team members said the win is about continuing their winning legacy.

"It's what we've done for years and what we hope to do in the future. We have to take another step up from here,'' said Drum Major Kristen Lichtenthal.